![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
yeah, of course i have time! do you need me to go anywhere?
[Oh, mysterious. The beach does seem to be where everything important between them happens, though, so Haruka is there shortly.]
I hope you haven't been waiting too long, Xiao.
[Gonna flop down next to him on the sand!!]
I hope you haven't been waiting too long, Xiao.
[Gonna flop down next to him on the sand!!]
No, not at all.
[ Xiao hands Haruka the paper - it's folded up. Immediately after that, he presents a white flower to him. Just one. It's probably unlike anything Haruka has seen in the garden. ]
I am not sure how this flower arrived here, but it's one that's native to Liyue. The Qingxin is often found growing on mountain peaks.
[ A beat, then: ]
You've shared a lot with me. I wanted to return the gesture.
[ Xiao hands Haruka the paper - it's folded up. Immediately after that, he presents a white flower to him. Just one. It's probably unlike anything Haruka has seen in the garden. ]
I am not sure how this flower arrived here, but it's one that's native to Liyue. The Qingxin is often found growing on mountain peaks.
[ A beat, then: ]
You've shared a lot with me. I wanted to return the gesture.
[Oh... He'll be opening up that paper in a bit, but first: the flower.]
It's really pretty...
[Does it smell nice? He's absolutely taking a sniff of it immediately.]
You don't have to give me this, though. I mean... it's from your home.
It's really pretty...
[Does it smell nice? He's absolutely taking a sniff of it immediately.]
You don't have to give me this, though. I mean... it's from your home.
A token of your gratitude... That sounds so formal.
[But fine, fine, he'll take the flower. Now, time to unfold that paper. What's on it? Secrets?]
[But fine, fine, he'll take the flower. Now, time to unfold that paper. What's on it? Secrets?]
[ Not quite!
It's a recipe...for something called "Sweet Dream"! Upon closer inspection, Haruka may be able to recognize this as an almond-based dish. ]
I don't know how often you like to cook, but this is a recipe for a certain style of almond tofu. I made it with a traveler, back at home.
It's a recipe...for something called "Sweet Dream"! Upon closer inspection, Haruka may be able to recognize this as an almond-based dish. ]
I don't know how often you like to cook, but this is a recipe for a certain style of almond tofu. I made it with a traveler, back at home.
I used to cook with my grandmother a lot, as a kid, but now that I'm working I haven't been able to do it much... I'll have to try this, soon.
[And share it with Xiao, naturally. He folds the note back up, tucking it away for later.
He pauses, before gently setting the flower on the grass. He's... not sure of what Xiao thinks of him, beyond a desire to protect him, and maybe he's just wildly misconstruing all of this. Maybe he's reading between the lines that aren't there, or he's just being stupid and hopeful because of the wild situation they're in and how stressful everything is. Maybe that's the only reason Xiao feels the need to get close of him, but he pushes thoughts like those away.
At least for the moment.
Using his words is hard, though. He's not like Minami - he can't sit down and write out something poetic and heartfelt, for all that Haruka wants to be heard. He's not like Touma, either, who will just say the most sincere things without even blinking, and he's not suave and confident in the way Torao is... Haruka is just Haruka, and he's nervous.]
...Hey, Xiao. Can you close your eyes for a second? There's something I want to give you, but I want it to be a surprise.
[And share it with Xiao, naturally. He folds the note back up, tucking it away for later.
He pauses, before gently setting the flower on the grass. He's... not sure of what Xiao thinks of him, beyond a desire to protect him, and maybe he's just wildly misconstruing all of this. Maybe he's reading between the lines that aren't there, or he's just being stupid and hopeful because of the wild situation they're in and how stressful everything is. Maybe that's the only reason Xiao feels the need to get close of him, but he pushes thoughts like those away.
At least for the moment.
Using his words is hard, though. He's not like Minami - he can't sit down and write out something poetic and heartfelt, for all that Haruka wants to be heard. He's not like Touma, either, who will just say the most sincere things without even blinking, and he's not suave and confident in the way Torao is... Haruka is just Haruka, and he's nervous.]
...Hey, Xiao. Can you close your eyes for a second? There's something I want to give you, but I want it to be a surprise.
[ Xiao lets out a quiet breath, one of relief. He's not the type to hand out gifts so easily, but Haruka is someone he's grown to care about over the past three weeks. He's glad that the gift was well-received.
He didn't expect Haruka to feel the need to reciprocate, though. Xiao looks a little surprised, a little confused -- why does he need to close his eyes? ]
...Alright.
[ He shuts his eyes and places his hands in his lap. ]
He didn't expect Haruka to feel the need to reciprocate, though. Xiao looks a little surprised, a little confused -- why does he need to close his eyes? ]
...Alright.
[ He shuts his eyes and places his hands in his lap. ]
[Because if Xiao isn't looking at him, that means Haruka can build up a little more courage and not psyche himself out. This is... probably incredibly stupid, and impulsive, and definitely only the kind of thing that would actually be acceptable in a drama, but...
Well.
It's easier then doing a big confession and having to spell out his feelings (though he'll probably still need to do that anyways...)
He shifts, resting on his knees. After another moment to convince himself he won't die if he does this, he leaves forward and gently presses his lips to Xiao's. He doesn't linger long, though, leaning back as he feels his face get even hotter with embarrassment.]
Well.
It's easier then doing a big confession and having to spell out his feelings (though he'll probably still need to do that anyways...)
He shifts, resting on his knees. After another moment to convince himself he won't die if he does this, he leaves forward and gently presses his lips to Xiao's. He doesn't linger long, though, leaning back as he feels his face get even hotter with embarrassment.]
[ Xiao waits patiently for whatever Haruka has in store.
He's not expecting a gentle, quick brush of lips against his. It actually takes him a moment to register what's happening, because he's never been kissed before. The realization sinks in, though, just as his heartrate starts rising.
His eyes are wide when Haruka pulls away, and Xiao takes in his expression, the way his cheeks are so red. Xiao may be unfamiliar with many things here, but even he's catching on to what this means. It's how Haruka feels, isn't it? ]
...
[ Xiao hadn't thought of pursuing anything romantic. He'd only just gotten around to accepting people into his life; romance was off the table. That being said, there's something nice about receiving Haruka's feelings -- and while Xiao isn't quite sure what to make of his own feelings about Haruka now, he's not in a place where he wants to reject the other's advances, either. And it's not like he's not red in the face, too.
Still, he needs confirmation. ]
Haruka -- you...?
He's not expecting a gentle, quick brush of lips against his. It actually takes him a moment to register what's happening, because he's never been kissed before. The realization sinks in, though, just as his heartrate starts rising.
His eyes are wide when Haruka pulls away, and Xiao takes in his expression, the way his cheeks are so red. Xiao may be unfamiliar with many things here, but even he's catching on to what this means. It's how Haruka feels, isn't it? ]
...
[ Xiao hadn't thought of pursuing anything romantic. He'd only just gotten around to accepting people into his life; romance was off the table. That being said, there's something nice about receiving Haruka's feelings -- and while Xiao isn't quite sure what to make of his own feelings about Haruka now, he's not in a place where he wants to reject the other's advances, either. And it's not like he's not red in the face, too.
Still, he needs confirmation. ]
Haruka -- you...?
[Well, he did sort of expect to have to explain himself, still.
He nods, clearing his throat. Even his ears have gone red, but he makes himself look Xiao in the eyes anyways. He's not going to run from this, even if he wants to.]
...I really like you, Xiao. Or at least... I'm pretty sure I do, even if it's only been three weeks.
[A pause.]
But I would get it if you don't feel the same.
He nods, clearing his throat. Even his ears have gone red, but he makes himself look Xiao in the eyes anyways. He's not going to run from this, even if he wants to.]
...I really like you, Xiao. Or at least... I'm pretty sure I do, even if it's only been three weeks.
[A pause.]
But I would get it if you don't feel the same.
I...
[ How does he put this? A part of him says that he shouldn't, he should turn Haruka down right this instant, but the other half of him is telling him that maybe giving things a try with Haruka wouldn't be so bad. He's inclined to go with the former, but the greedier, softer part of his heart won't quite let him do that. (He attributes that to the Traveler's efforts, in all honesty.)
Either way, he wants to give a concrete, earnest answer. He can't be certain just yet, but he can be honest. ]
...I'm fond of you, Haruka, but I've told you about my powers. And -- I'm not good with romantic affairs. This is something I've never dabbled into before. [ He glances up at him again. Something about his expression is surprisingly soft. ] If you'll allow me some time to think about this, I'll give you a better answer in due time. I understand if that is too much of an ask.
[ Haruka shouldn't have to wait.
He deserves better. ]
[ How does he put this? A part of him says that he shouldn't, he should turn Haruka down right this instant, but the other half of him is telling him that maybe giving things a try with Haruka wouldn't be so bad. He's inclined to go with the former, but the greedier, softer part of his heart won't quite let him do that. (He attributes that to the Traveler's efforts, in all honesty.)
Either way, he wants to give a concrete, earnest answer. He can't be certain just yet, but he can be honest. ]
...I'm fond of you, Haruka, but I've told you about my powers. And -- I'm not good with romantic affairs. This is something I've never dabbled into before. [ He glances up at him again. Something about his expression is surprisingly soft. ] If you'll allow me some time to think about this, I'll give you a better answer in due time. I understand if that is too much of an ask.
[ Haruka shouldn't have to wait.
He deserves better. ]
[It's not an immediate rejection, which is more then Haruka could have hoped for. He still doesn't want to get his hopes up, and he doesn't want to sway Xiao's decisions, because there's so many reasons he shouldn't give someone like Haruka the time of day.
At least not as far as romance is concerned.]
I hate to say this, but you being bad at romantic affairs isn't actually a surprise.
[He laughs softly, expression relaxing into a crooked smile.]
And I told you I'm okay with whatever happens, but I'm not going to force you to decide anything right now. I know this is really sudden, but... if I didn't say something now, I don't know when I would get the chance.
[It's not a "no". It's not a no, and he's trying so hard not to let himself run away with that.]
At least not as far as romance is concerned.]
I hate to say this, but you being bad at romantic affairs isn't actually a surprise.
[He laughs softly, expression relaxing into a crooked smile.]
And I told you I'm okay with whatever happens, but I'm not going to force you to decide anything right now. I know this is really sudden, but... if I didn't say something now, I don't know when I would get the chance.
[It's not a "no". It's not a no, and he's trying so hard not to let himself run away with that.]
[ WOW??? THANKS, HARUKA.
...Not that he takes offense to it, though. Xiao thinks Haruka is simply stating a fact! It's fine. Anyway... ]
Thank you, for being honest. [ His heart's still pounding in a way he doesn't quite understand. ] I didn't mind it. The...kiss, I mean.
[ Which probably says something. He lifts his hand, looks at Haruka's, and gently brushes his fingers against the back of the other's knuckles. ]
These sorts of things aren't unwanted. ... They're helping me understand my own feelings.
...Not that he takes offense to it, though. Xiao thinks Haruka is simply stating a fact! It's fine. Anyway... ]
Thank you, for being honest. [ His heart's still pounding in a way he doesn't quite understand. ] I didn't mind it. The...kiss, I mean.
[ Which probably says something. He lifts his hand, looks at Haruka's, and gently brushes his fingers against the back of the other's knuckles. ]
These sorts of things aren't unwanted. ... They're helping me understand my own feelings.
[Time to unpack that, just a bit more, for Haruka's own peace of mind.]
...So, you liked it?
[These are kind of mixed messages, aren't they? The touches combined with what he's saying.]
Are you saying you'd want another one?
...So, you liked it?
[These are kind of mixed messages, aren't they? The touches combined with what he's saying.]
Are you saying you'd want another one?
[ Xiao's cheeks heat up again. He clicks his tongue, annoyed with himself and his inability to process everything right now. All he knows is that being with Haruka is nice, and it has been since day one. Well, aside from all the times Haruka cried, but he's more certain that he can comfort him now, when that happens.
He's praying that his karma isn't rubbing off on him. Xiao will take his chances, though, and lean in to gently silence Haruka with another chaste kiss of his own. ]
He's praying that his karma isn't rubbing off on him. Xiao will take his chances, though, and lean in to gently silence Haruka with another chaste kiss of his own. ]
Edited 2023-06-01 04:20 (UTC)
[WELL, he really wasn't expecting that, for all his teasing. It's not that he can get mad, either, heart skipping a bit as Xiao leans in, and it almost feels like it stops when their lips connect.
He doesn't want to press forward, because he's afraid of spooking Xiao, but...
He's giddy. Incredibly giddy.]
He doesn't want to press forward, because he's afraid of spooking Xiao, but...
He's giddy. Incredibly giddy.]
[ The kiss is cut short, because Xiao pulls away pretty quickly. He closes his eyes, inhales quietly. His hand is still on top of Haruka's. For his first actual attempt at a kiss, it isn't half bad.
After composing himself, he glances at him again. ]
I hope that met your expectations.
After composing himself, he glances at him again. ]
I hope that met your expectations.
[Xiao... that's so formal. He really wasn't lying about being bad at romance.]
I wasn't expecting you to kiss me, so I would say that exceeded my expectations.
[What Is Even Happening? Is this real? It doesn't feel real, but he's not going to complain.]
I wasn't expecting you to kiss me, so I would say that exceeded my expectations.
[What Is Even Happening? Is this real? It doesn't feel real, but he's not going to complain.]
[ Xiao doesn't lie because he is abysmal at it. It's something Haruka will come to learn in time. ]
I told you, I didn't mind it.
[ That explains nothing, Xiao -- but the blush on his cheeks might, instead. ]
... I'll aim to exceed your expectations again.
I told you, I didn't mind it.
[ That explains nothing, Xiao -- but the blush on his cheeks might, instead. ]
... I'll aim to exceed your expectations again.
Oh? So can I be expecting more kisses, then?
[He laughs softly, leaning forward with a little grin.]
Because I wouldn't mind that, either.
[He laughs softly, leaning forward with a little grin.]
Because I wouldn't mind that, either.
[ Haruka...please. Xiao's starting to actually look flustered, and he looks away, grunts a little.
After a moment, though, Haruka may be able to see a small smile on his face. ]
Hm. We'll have to see about that.
[ Xiao looks at him again, and his smile broadens the tiniest bit. ]
After a moment, though, Haruka may be able to see a small smile on his face. ]
Hm. We'll have to see about that.
[ Xiao looks at him again, and his smile broadens the tiniest bit. ]
[why are you gay]
Well, I look forward to seeing about it.
[He’s no less gay, though, and he leans in to press a quick kiss to the corner of Xiao’s smile. Better get it in while he can.]
Well, I look forward to seeing about it.
[He’s no less gay, though, and he leans in to press a quick kiss to the corner of Xiao’s smile. Better get it in while he can.]
Page 4 of 14